You can also find thanks to all
the people who have helped make this project possible.

Background -- This site is the result of a video
documentary project I began in Ireland in 1998. The project, initially
called "Mary, Mary, a Documentary about Women, Ireland
and Change," started as a series of documentary shorts about
women in Ireland.
I interviewed over 100 Irish women (in their homes, their offices,
on the street, on audiotape, on videotape) about women, Ireland,
and change. At the same time, I asked myself hundreds of questions
(about documentary, about activism). Traditional film/video documentaries
leave so much to be desired -- what happens to the bits that are left
out? The more I interviewed Irish women, the less I wanted to throw
away. I felt the need to document in a different way -- to provide
a space where nothing is lost: an archive, a wild garden, a place
to dig, plant ideas, follow paths. I think of all of the women interviewed
as activists, makers of change, each in her own
way. Is being a leader in a political party more or less political
than being a mother, caring for a neighbor? Is making a documentary
an effective tool for social change? Along my way, the links between
women's lives -- the way in which women inspire women to keep fighting
for change -- became evident and amazing.

For up to date info about SlínamBan
and the video series, see the project news
page or email me.